Halloween Safety Tips

October 30, 2017
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

News release

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Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP want kids of all ages to have a happy and safe Halloween this year. Below are a few tips to ensure everyone has a great time.

Costume safety

While kids (and adults!) may be focused on a costume that impresses friends, try to keep safety top of mind:

  • Wear a light-coloured or bright costume, reflective tape or arm bands to heighten visibility;
  • Make sure the costume is properly fitted to reduce the chance of tripping;
  • Select a costume that is constructed from flame-retardant materials;
  • Make sure vision is not restricted by the costume. Consider completing your costume with make-up not masks;
  • Create a fun necklace with string and glow sticks to keep kids visible to cars. Or accessorize with a flashlight!
  • "Fake" swords, knives and guns part of your costume? Make sure they look fake but remember, some people still may not be able to tell the difference.

Talk about being 'street smart' before your children go out

  • Before the kids hit the streets, it is important that parents be aware of the route that their children plan to follow.
  • If you are unable to take them out yourself, consider asking another parent, an older sibling or babysitter to do the honours for you.
  • Ensure your child is wearing a watch and establish an agreed upon curfew.
  • Teach your children to recognize the places along his/her route where they can get help: police station, fire station or any other well indicated public place.
  • Stay on the sidewalks (If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the street facing traffic).
  • Use crosswalks whenever possible: Visit houses on one side of the street at a time and cross the street only at intersections or at marked crosswalks.
  • Stop and check for cars before crossing the street.
  • Discuss with your children what they should do to call home in case of emergency.
  • Safety in numbers: Walk in groups and stay together.
  • Stay on the outside: Never enter a house; only accept treats at the front door.

Halloween safety is not limited to the little ones. There are steps adults can take to keep themselves, and their property free from any hair-raising experiences.

Homeowners

  • Ensure your house is well lit;
  • Keep walkways obstacle and ice free;
  • Keep pets indoors and away from trick-or-treaters.

Drivers

  • Drive sober;
  • If possible, avoid driving in residential areas while trick-or-treaters are out;;
  • Slow down and be extra cautious. Expect that children dart out from between parked cars;
  • Watch carefully for people using crosswalks;
  • Do not wear costumes that interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Costumes should not restrict movement, impede vision or prohibit the use of safety restraints.

Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP would like to remind motorists to be especially careful on our roads this Halloween. Expect trick-or-treaters may forget to look both ways before rushing across the street or a driveway in their search for candy.

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Contact information

Laura Hepditch
Director of Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP
709-772-7334

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